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The National Capital Commission is leaving the development of LeBreton Flats up to the creative vision of the private sector.

The NCC on Tuesday launched the first of a two-part process to find a development partner to design and construct at least 9.3 hectares of the flats.

“We’re leaving it a blank canvass,” CEO Mark Kristmanson said at the NCC offices on Elgin St.

Ottawa West-Nepean MP John Baird, the minister in charge of the NCC, said he’s looking for “inspired design excellence” in the next phase of the redevelopment.

It’s clear that Kristmanson, who was appointed CEO for a five-year term last February, wants to see momentum on the redevelopment.

The request for qualification stage will shortlist up to five proponents. By this time next year, a recommended proponent will be in front of the NCC board.

“I’d like to see something done on my watch,” Kristmanson said.

The key element of the redevelopment — perhaps the only thing the NCC is asking for at this point — is an architecturally stunning anchor institution of regional, national or international importance.

Even that is left up to the bidders. So everything is on the table from a museum to a major retail outlet to a new sports facility.

(The Ottawa Senators had no comment Tuesday).

An LRT station will be built on the flats as part of the city’s Confederation Line.

While Baird said there’s no money available for a new Science and Technology Museum, he said it’s “an obvious candidate” for the anchor building on the flats.

Another 12.3 hectares of land — the large swath west of Preston St. — could also form part of the development if proponents have good reasons to include the property.

The agency, however, is being very careful about saying what it wants to see on the flats because it doesn’t want to stifle bidders.

“The NCC has learned from the first round of development on LeBreton Flats that we really should step back and let the creativity and innovation come from the private sector on this,” Kristmanson said.

Much criticism has been directed at the NCC for the condo-heavy first phase on the eastern portion of the land.

It’s obviously on the minds of NCC officials as they launch this development competition.

Baird suggested there’s no big rush to get shovels in the ground.

“If we wanted to slap up some soulless, ugly condominiums, we could do that very, very quickly. But let’s take the time to get it right,” Baird said.

NCC seeks private sector input for LeBreton Flats

The National Capital Commission is leaving the development of LeBreton Flats up to the creative vision of the private sector.

The NCC on Tuesday launched the first of a two-part process to find a development partner to design and construct at least 9.3 hectares of the flats.

"We're leaving it a blank canvass," CEO Mark Kristmanson said at the NCC offices on Elgin St.

He was joined by MP John Baird, the minister in charge of the NCC, and board chairman Russell Mills.

Baird said he's looking for "inspired design excellence" in the next phase of the redevelopment.

It's clear that Kristmanson, who was appointed CEO for a five-year term last February, wants to see momentum on the redevelopment. The request for qualification stage will shortlist up to five proponents who will compete during the request for proposals stage. By this time next year, a recommended proponent will be in front of the NCC board.